Prosecutors: Motorist drunkenly struck police sergeant with car

A South Shore man was ordered held in lieu of $100,000 bail Sunday after prosecutors say he struck a police sergeant who was securing a shooting scene Saturday night.

King D. Wade, 76, of the 7100 block of South Coles Avenue, has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident, a felony, and misdemeanor DUI in connection to the incident.

Wade was driving a 2007 gray Ford east in the 2600 block of East 83rd Street in the South Chicago neighborhood as police and emergency personnel were securing a shooting scene, according to Cook County court records.

Wade swerved to avoid the emergency vehicles, appeared to overcorrect and then struck the officer, who was standing outside his vehicle, according to court records.

The officer was taken to Little Company of Mary Hospital, where he was treated for soreness and bruising to his right side before being released, according to Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Molesky.

Wade fled after striking the officer and was stopped a few blocks away by a captain who had witnessed the incident, according to Molesky.

The officer’s radio was smashed in the incident, and Wade’s car had scuffs on the front passenger side and damage to the passenger side mirror, according to court records.

Wade had a blood alcohol content of .092, Molesky said.

“I had about four beers,” he told police after his arrest. “I saw the officer, I tried to swerve and I heard a thump.”